The fire of green chillies, the pungency of garlic and the crunch of peanuts come together on a traditional sil-batta to give life and heat to your meals!

Green chillies have got to be Ammiji’s favorite ingredient. From liberally using them in her sabzis, to garnishing her curries with them, and from pickling them in myriad ways to eating them raw along with her meals, there’s nothing that Ammiji couldn’t do with green chillies. This thecha is one of our favorites though.

A simple, stone-ground chutney that combines green chillies, garlic, peanuts and spices, this thecha can be eaten with any meal! Top up your paranthas with it or pepper your dal-chawal with it. Don’t tell Ammiji but we like to eat it with a slice of white bread too!

Ammiji’s thecha is fiery, tangy and garlicky all at once, and the layers of different flavours and textures come together beautifully to add that irresistible heat to your meals.

Ingredients: Green chillies, Garlic, Peanuts, Lemon, Salt, Black salt, Fennel, Cumin, Nigella seeds, Mustard oil.

Allergen warning: Contains peanuts

Weight: 150 gms

Refrigerate after opening. Consume within 3 months.

Best before 3 months.

This is one classic that translates to a guilt-free indulgence. This no-oil pickle goes well with any meal and is the best way to make the most of the mango season.

Ammiji’s pickling prowess extended from the regular to the unusual. But the one ingredient that she absolutely loved playing around with was the popular summer favourite – mango. Chutneys, juices, puddings, desserts, curries and of course, pickles – everything was blessed with the goodness of sweet or sour mangoes as soon as the season started.

We, as children, used to love the mango goodies emanating out from her kitchen – all except one. For our unsophisticated senses and palate, the smell of strong hing was abhorrent, so we never got to taste her Heeng-Aam Achaar. But now, with more experience and refined palates, we asked her for the recipe of the classic which the family used to rave about. And boy, were we in for a pleasant surprise!

This pickle – if you like heeng – can be eaten by the bowlful. We kid you not. Who knew that the umami of asafoetida or hing would complement the sourness of mangoes so brilliantly! Oh, and the bowlful that we’re advising you to eat – you can do so guilt-free. This pickle contains no oil. It’s preserved in a perfectly balanced mixture of salt and spices. And of course, hing. The pickle contains only mango pulp. No seed or seed-skin to struggle with!

Ingredients: Raw Mango, Asafoetida, Salt, Rock Salt, Red Chilli, Turmeric

Weight: 150 gms

Good for: 3 months

Refrigerate for longer shelf life.

Food is that thread that brings it all together. It doesn’t matter what season it is, or how small an occasion it is – when you have good food on the table, you’re more blessed than you realize. Food is happiness – it’s the delightful dash and dot at the end of an exclamation. It has the power to create good memories or to help obliterate bad ones. Food is life. And when you give the gift of food, you’re gifting pure joy. 

Keeping that in mind, we’ve curated a set of Gift Boxes for you. Give them as gifts, or order a combination for yourself to save money! Each box will contain 4 jars, filled with Ammiji’s delicious goodness. And the gift box itself is an elegant, reusable box made of solid wood that will last you a long time and be useful in myriad ways.

Go on. Gift joy 🙂

Ammiji’s Immunity Box is that simultaneous gift of love and health. Nothing could be more meaningful in the current scenario than gifting a shot of good health to a loved one. Make your gift count – show them how much you care about them with this box of natural remedies. This Gift Box contains the following:

1. Chai Masala – Immunity: (75 gm) Ammiji’s famous Chai Masala, with powerful immuno-boosting herbs. Fragrant and delicious.
2. Chyawanprash: (200 gm) The age-old Ayurvedic tonic, made at home with jaggery, figs and dates.
3. Immunity Kaadha: (90 gm) The catch-drink right now. Specially targets the respiratory system. One of our best-sellers.
4. Amla Chutney: (200 gm) Your daily dose of Vitamin C, in a lip-smackin’ avatar. 

If there were a desi/Indian equivalent to the ‘Chicken soup for the soul’ book series, it would most definitely be called ‘Kaadha for the soul’. The westerners consider their chicken soup as a cure-all for all ills, but we Indians have been harnessing the power of everyday kitchen herbs and spices to cure ourselves for centuries. Ayurvedic wisdom has been translated and transformed into our grandmothers’ recipes and food and drink has always had more subtext than a mere tongue-pleaser.

According to our grandmothers, the quintessential ‘kaadha’ is that magical elixir that can, depending on the ingredients, alleviate a cold, soothe a sore throat, settle the stomach, ease an aching joint, increase milk production in lactating mothers, cure a hangover, work on clogged arteries, boost immunity or warm you up from the inside on a chilly night. If grandmothers are to believed, it can even bring about world peace. (My grandmother, Ammiji, firmly believes that, but that’s another story!) 😀

Ammiji has a different kaadha for every season and every purpose. Her secret, fragrant pitara of strange herbs and spices lies in an old, forgotten corner of her kitchen. She’ll only open it up when she decides that someone in the family just won’t survive without one of her kaadhas. In a pan of boiling water, leaves and sticks and spices and flowers will be thrown in – till her entire house smells like some exotic bazaar at the edge of the world.

Seeing the need of the hour – we took her basic immunity kaadha that she force-fed her grandchildren every change of season – and augmented it with specific Ayurvedic herbs that are believed to enhance lung function and keep the respiratory tract healthy. Powerful, natural immunity boosters from the kitchen, when combined with these herbs, make for a mix that’s deliciously fragrant, soothing for the entire system and an antidote to most that ails us. The nature or taseer of the kaadha is not too hot, making it the ideal health tonic for all seasons, even in peak summer.

Here are all the ingredients that go into Ammiji’s Immunity Kaadha and the various benefits that they hold:

Benefits of ingredients:

Jaggery: Jaggery is one of the best natural cleansers for our body – it purifies the blood, detoxifies the liver and most importantly,removes toxins from the lungs, respiratory tract, stomach and intestines. So much so, that people working in coal mines are advised to make jaggery a regular part of their diets. It has antioxidants and minerals like zinc, manganese and selenium which boost the body’s immunity. It is also rich in iron and increases the haemoglobin count in the blood. Jaggery is also good for digestion and a healthy gut.

Guduchi: Guduchi or Giloy is known in Ayurveda as amrita, the herb of immortality. It is powerful in fighting off all kinds of infections. It is anti-pyretic and anti-inflammatory, thus it helps bring down fever and alleviates all flu-like symptoms. It also fights respiratory problems and alleviates conditions like bronchitis and asthma. It provides a powerful boost to a body’s immunity and is also a great tonic for stress and despression.

Amla: Amla is one of the most powerful superfoods that has been effectively used in India since the Vedic ages. Amla powder is the richest source of Vitamin C and is more easily absorbed by the body than store-brought supplements. It is also a great source of calcium and iron. Its high antioxidant content and cell-repairing properties means that it fights damage in the body caused by free radicals. It also reduces the risk of heart disease and makes the blood vessels stronger. It provides a tremendous boost to the immunity and its rich Vitamin C content fights off bacterial and viral infections.

Turmeric: Remember haldi waala doodh? There’s a good reason that we were fed a lot of it as kids. The main bioactive compound in turmeric is curcumin which strong medicinal properties. It has immense benefits for the human body. It is chock-full of anti-oxidants and is a powerful anti-inflammatory. It is antiseptic in nature and helps fight infections. Turmeric is beneficial for each and every system in the body – whether it’s the respiratory system, the circulatory system or the nervous system. It increases the anti-oxidant capacity and the immunomodulating capacity of the body. Our kaadha has pure turmeric which is ground into a powder at home.

Ginger: If turmeric is the king of Indian spices, then ginger definitely has to be his wingman, if not a strong claimant to the throne. Gingerol, the main active ingredient in ginger, is a powerful medicinal compound that has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It soothes the throat, breaks down mucus and keeps the respiratory tract healthy. It is a powerful digestive aid, and a healthy digestion translates to a healthy body. Studies have shown that ginger lowers cholesterol and is good for arthritis and other conditions. It bolsters the body’s overall immunity. Our kaadha has pure dried ginger which is ground at home.

Tulsi: Tulsi or Holy Basil is an adaptogen which has powerful anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The essential oils found in tulsi act directly on our respiratory system. It is loaded with phytonutrients and Vitamins A and C. Tulsi fights infections and strengthens immunity at the same time. It is antitussive and an expectorant, keeping the respiratory tract mucus-free and healthy.

Vasaka: Vasaka, Adusa or Malabar nut tree is an Ayurvedic plant that has traditionally and successfully been used to treat cold, cough, bronchitis, asthma, infections of the respiratory tract, breathing problems and even tuberculosis. It has several bio-active compounds that boost immunity and prevent infections. It is a potent antibiotic and has the added advantage of being a very powerful natural expectorant. It expels mucus from the body and keeps the lungs healthy. Its powerful antimicrobial, anti-bacterial and antiseptic properties make it the perfect weapon against infections.

Mulethi: Mulethi, Yashtimadhu or Licorice root is another Ayurvedic wonder herb that is widely recognized to help in respiratory issues. It helps ease a sore throat or cough and keeps the upper respiratory tract healthy. Its expectorant and bronchodilator properties make it suitable for any respiratory issues. Additionally, it helps the body produce lymphocytes and macrophages that boost up immunity and helps to fight infections. Mulethi is also great for the digestive system.

Kalmegh: Kalmegh is a bitter herb that helps fight upper respiratory tract infections. It is anti-inflammatory and boosts immunity. It is especially good for liver health. Kalmegh also balances the doshas in the body according to Ayurveda.

Pepper: Black pepper – yes, that same spice you use so frequently in the kitchen – has immensely beneficial properties. It is good for digestion as well as the respiratory system. It is vital to add black pepper to any concoction with turmeric in it since it makes the curcumin in the turmeric bio-available.

Pippli: Pippli or long black pepper is a fragrant Indian pepper that has a similar flavor profile to black pepper. It is, however, quick-acting and is a great restorative for the lungs. It is also a powerful digestive aid.

Haritaki: A rich source of Vitamin C, Haritaki or Harad aids a healthy digestion and alleviates flu-like symptoms.

Anantmool: This ayurvedic herb is a blood purifier and balances the doshas in the body. It supports a healthy respiratory system.

Saunf, ajwain, cinnamon, star anise and green elaichi each have digestive and balancing properties which makes this kaadha light and balanced for everyday use.

Disclaimer: This kaadha is not a medicine – preventive or otherwise. It is an herbal, homemade tonic that may, with regular use, boost immunity.

A little bit of stirring is all that is required to make a cool, tall glass of India’s favourite summer thanda – intensely refreshing, supremely beneficial Shikanji! Your Glass of Chill this summer!

 No one can get through the harsh Indian summer without gorging on cool, refreshing drinks. And anyone who’s been brought up in this heat will have memories of being admonished to come in from the heat and have some thanda “nimbu-paani” or Shikanji.

 Shikanji has been the summer cure-all for generations of mothers and grandmothers. Garmi lag gayi? Shikanji pilao! Stomach upset? Shikanji pilao! Feeling tired? Have Shikanji! Feeling nauseous? Have Shikanji!

 Ammiji’s kitchen always used to have a jug of masala Shikanji chilling in the fridge for anyone who came in from outdoors during the peak summer. She used to put a special, secret masala blend in her Shikanji that was not only superbly refreshing but incredibly addictive too. It is that secret masala that we have added to our mix for Ammiji’s Instant Shikanji. Because, as always, Ammiji knows best!

 Shikanji, the desi cousin of lemonade, is sold across the streets of India by hawkers who keep it cool in earthen pots. Fresh lemon and mint, rock salt and cumin, and loads of ice – that’s what makes for a tasty and reviving Shikanji. That is, until you try Ammiji’s Shikanji. Delicately spiced, mildly sweet – it will be your best friend this summer.

 Ammiji’s Shikanji contains dried lemon powder and spices like cumin, clove, pepper and the super-beneficial Myrobalan berries or Haritaki. It also contains a bit of dried mint for that refreshing flavour and a tiny bit of Naushadhar for its digestive properties as documented by Ayurveda. The salt we use is natural pink Himalayan salt, chock full of minerals. Together, these ingredients make a drink that’s not only refreshing but also good for keeping dehydration at bay and keeping the digestive system working optimally during the summers.

 So each time you feel tired, anxious, nauseous, queasy or just plain sick of the heat, take a leaf out of Ammiji’s playbook and stir up some instant coolness for yourself with Ammiji’s Instant Shikanji!

 Directions for use: Add 1 – 1 ½ tablespoons of Ammiji’s Instant Shikanji powder in a glass. Top it up with chilled water. Stir to dissolve. Add ice. Garnish with lemon slices or mint leaves if desired. Your thanda glass of chill is ready!

 Ingredients: Sugar, Powdered Lemon, Pink Himalayan Salt, Cumin, Black Pepper, Clove, Harad, Naushadhar, Dried Mint

 Weight: 250 gms

 Price: Rs 450 350

 Good For: 3 months

 Always use a clean, dry spoon. Store jar away from heat or direct sunlight.

Let’s admit it – there are very few people who claim to absolutely LOVE karela or bitter gourd. Most of us, though, wrinkle up our noses at the mention of this humble vegetable. It’s bitter and pungent – but immensely beneficial and nutritious. It’s proven to counter high blood sugar and may have cancer fighting properties too. It contains several vitamins and micro nutrients that boost overall health.

Ammiji had a novel way of making her grand children eat the magically medicinal karela – she pickled it till the natural bitterness of the vegetable was overwhelmed with tanginess and deliciousness. The karela pickle was had with everything – but our favorite way was to mix it into dal chawal!

Karela are usually fried to reduce the sharp bitterness, but these are sun-dried and then pickled. It’s the perfect way to get in a good dose of health daily!

Refrigerate after opening for longer shelf life.

Good for: 3 months

Ingredients: Bitter gourd, Salt, Black Salt, Turmeric, Fennel, Fenugreek, Red Chilli, Lemon juice, Mustard Oil.

Weight: 120 gms